Sleep is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle. Doctors recommend that most healthy adults get 7-9 hours of quality, restful sleep to improve mood, overall health, and brain function.
If you’re not getting enough sleep, you may experience the negative effects of sleep deprivation. Every year, thousands of fatal vehicular crashes are attributed to people driving drowsy. Sleep deprivation can put you at risk of chronic diseases, like heart disease and obesity. Sleeping too much, though, can also lead to health complications.
How Much Sleep Is Too Much?
According to an article from Harvard Health Publishing, an excessive amount of sleep can make someone feel even more fatigued the next day and not rested. The article also notes that each individual has different sleep habits, so what may work for one person may not be beneficial to someone else. However, on average, getting 7-9 hours of sleep is enough for an average adult to feel rested.
Oversleeping, otherwise defined as consistently sleeping more than 9 hours every day, can also impact your body’s functions. If you’re constantly hitting snooze on your alarm and feeling like your body just can’t function with less than 9 hours of sleep, then it could be a symptom of something else. It’s a telling sign that you should talk to a doctor as soon as possible.
Effects of Oversleeping
So, what happens if you sleep too much? If left untreated over a long period, oversleeping can cause health problems that are expensive and cumbersome to treat. A 2019 study found that you’re at 23% higher risk of a stroke if you regularly oversleep. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, oversleeping is also associated with an increased risk of diabetes and obesity.
Beyond physical effects, sleeping too much is often a symptom of depression, and can further exacerbate feelings of anxiety and sadness. Sleeping too much can lead to difficulties with memory, concentration, and decision-making, potentially affecting overall cognitive function.
Sleeping more than 9 hours every day could be an indicator of something more serious, like a hormone imbalance, sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome, or as a side-effect of a medication you’re taking. Getting to the bottom of your sleep issues is of the utmost importance because it affects your daily life.
Oversleeping? Talk to Us.
So what can you do if you recognize yourself in this blog? The first thing you should do is schedule an appointment with a doctor. This may result in some tests being done and maybe scheduling a sleep test.
Carolina QuickCare is here for your immediate health needs, and we’re open seven days a week. Visit our locations page to find a location near you—we’re here to support you and your health!